Key Points
- Dagenham & Redbridge currently sit 21st in National League South with just 7 points from 9 games.
- The club was eliminated from the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round by Spalding, a lower division side.
- Paul Struge, a parent of a player, posted a heartfelt message asking fans to rethink abusive behaviour towards players.
- Struge reveals players are worried about the club’s future and their careers due to financial instability.
- Ownership is hesitant to invest further; wage payments to players are uncertain.
- The team has not received additional support or signings; the manager remains in place despite poor results.
- Fans’ anger is directed at ownership rather than players, urging support for the team amid difficulties.
- Fans’ reaction includes calls for club transparency and suggestions for fan ownership models.
What is the background of the worrying situation at Dagenham & Redbridge?
As reported by Paul Struge, a parent of a Dagenham & Redbridge player and author of the message on the Fan Banter forum, the club currently faces a financially uncertain future which is impacting both players and fans. Dagenham & Redbridge are struggling on the pitch, sitting 21st in the National League South with only seven points from nine games. Their recent FA Cup exit came at the hands of Spalding, a team from a lower league, after leading early on in the match. Paul Struge wrote that while results have been poor, the underlying issues are deeply connected with money troubles and ownership decisions at the club.
What concerns did the parent raise about the players’ situation?
Struge highlighted that the players are as worried as fans about the club’s future and their individual careers. He disclosed that the ownership group is hesitant to invest further funds and that there is uncertainty over whether wages can be paid in full without new investment. This financial limbo is affecting player morale and performance on the pitch. Struge defended the players, emphasising they want to do better but lack necessary support, including adequate managerial changes and new signings. He urged fans to direct their frustration towards the owners rather than the players and to appreciate the difficult circumstances the squad is facing. He expressed a hope for positive changes soon to restore the club’s prospects.
What exactly did Paul Struge say in his message to the fans?
Paul Struge’s message stated:
“This is my first post on this forum and I’m sorry for it being such a negative one. Firstly I want to say this is a great club and the fans and players deserve so much better and I really want to see that happen. But I’d like to ask fans to think twice before giving the players abuse like what happened today and previous games. My son is one of those players and yes the results have not been good enough for what a club like this deserves. The players know that, speaking to him this evening and he is heartbroken by today’s result.
But unfortunately I don’t think the fans fully appreciate what the players are going through right now, and the abuse I’ve seen is getting to the point where I don’t care if I get in trouble now for saying something. The players are just as worried as you fans about the future of the club, and their careers. Even Carroll isn’t in the know enough to tell them what’s going on and in fairness to him he is not happy with this either.
Whilst he wants things to progress ASAP all he is aware of is that these owners are having second thoughts and the lads now know that there is now a money problem at the club. These new owners will not have more money invested on their behalf until they have made their mind up, and the existing custodians will not invest a dime either.
Which is why these players are not getting additional support they want in terms of signings and clearly why they haven’t paid off this useless manager to leave. Then as many probably now know the squad have been told that it’s not certain if their wages can be paid in full without someone investing money into this club.
I completely apologise and know their performances are not up to scratch for what a club like Dagenham & Redbridge deserves. Most of these players are all aware of this and are not satisfied with their results. I do see that they want to do better for this club.
But I’d expect fans to start seeing the human side of things and ask themselves how would you perform at work when you aren’t even sure if you will be getting paid going forward.
I really hope things can change for the better as the fans on the whole have been amazing to my lad. It’s a great club with a great set of boys in the squad too. But they are being let down by the ownership just as much as you fans are. So please think twice before aiming any abuse at them in the future. Be angry at the right people, please.
I really hope that we see things change and everyone gets what they deserve. Thanks and COYD.”
How have fans reacted to the parent’s message and the ongoing situation?
Fans have expressed a wide range of sentiments in response to Paul Struge’s message.
- John Brooks said he spoke with Struge and believes the message reflects truth; he empathised with players not performing well amid worries about wage payments.
- Tony Dolby contrasted the current situation unfavourably with other clubs that fought hard despite financial issues, implying Dagenham players appear less committed.
- Chris Rodway noted that the current turmoil has been obvious for some time.
- Aaron Freeman suggested the club should issue an official statement to reduce speculation and reassure supporters.
- Martin Young and Darren Coles expressed worries about the ownership’s lack of transparency and the club’s future.
- Michael Rayner described the situation as heartbreaking and urged decisive action from those in charge.
- Sean Clayton proposed fans consider taking ownership of the club, citing successful examples like Wimbledon.
- Roy Miller highlighted the harsh financial realities for clubs of Dagenham’s size, condemning both abusive fans and ineffective ownership.
- Alan Torr and Andrew Cruikshank criticised the club’s poor management and lack of official communication.
- Ryan McCarthy’s blunt comment reflected a pessimistic mood among some supporters.
What is the current performance and management status at Dagenham & Redbridge?
Dagenham & Redbridge’s recent results have been disappointing, with an early exit from the FA Cup and poor league form. The team currently sits 21st in the National League South, which is worrying for a club with their ambitions. There is uncertainty over the managerial situation, as the players reportedly want a change, but the club has not taken steps to replace the current manager, reportedly described as “useless” by Paul Struge. This lack of decisive action from ownership affects player morale and performance.
How does this situation reflect wider challenges for lower league football clubs?
The unfolding events at Dagenham & Redbridge highlight common challenges faced by small football clubs operating with limited financial resources. Financial insecurity leads to uncertainty in wage payments, poor squad investment, and weak club governance. These issues contribute to declining performance and fan dissatisfaction. Without committed investment or innovative community involvement such as fan ownership, clubs risk long-term decline and even potential collapse. The debate among fans about fan ownership shows an awareness of alternative models that could stabilise clubs in similar situations.
